Panthers CB Josh Norman honors fallen friend with freelance sack

Just as important to Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman as winning the game Sunday was honoring his best friend who passed away this week.

At Andre Day’s funeral Saturday afternoon, Norman dedicated Sunday’s game to his friend’s memory. And he was able to help deliver a 31-24 victory against the Seahawks.

“Growing up with him I did everything as a child,” Norman said. “Middle school through high school, college and coming back, man I have so many memories of the guy. So many memories.”

Day died on Tuesday at age 28 after a bout with cancer.

“He left behind a sweet little baby girl that I’m going to be watching over and making sure everything’s OK with her,” Norman said. “I know he’s looking down smiling upon us.”

Norman had a good day on the field. Russell Wilson rarely threw his way – though he did throw one touchdown over Norman – and Norman even registered his first career sack.

The sack came late in the third quarter when Norman freelanced. He was covering Marshawn Lynch, but Lynch moved his route inside into a zone and Norman saw an opportunity.

He abandoned his man, who seemed less than interested in finishing his route, and went after Wilson to drop him for a 14-yard loss.

“Man … you know at some point in time you’ve just got to be relentless,” Norman said. “You’ve got to say bump it. Gotta go rogue. Just go rogue one time for the heck of it. I was so happy it worked out for me.”

Usually Norman kicks himself after missing an opportunity at an interception, but not after this game. On third-and-3 from the Carolina 3, Wilson scrambled and threw up a prayer to Jermaine Kearse.

Norman was in position but the ball went over his fingertips and into the hands of Kearse for the touchdown to make it a 10-point game.

“Talk about a game of inches,” Norman said. “I’m not even mad. That’s crazy because usually I’d be so … I’m not. There was nothing physical that happened. I was up there forever. I jumped too soon and I’ve got to work on that. I can’t be so anxious to go at it at its highest point. I’ve got to be lax and let the play come to me.”

This story was originally published January 17, 2016 at 8:01 PM with the headline "Panthers CB Josh Norman honors fallen friend with freelance sack."